Winter wonderland: Scotland spas for a winter escape

Scotland is beautiful at any time of the year, but in the winter months it's the embodiment of a winter wonderland, whether you spend time in the Highlands, on the coast, or in the cities.

What could be more mesmerising than seeing the Northern Lights over the Isle of Skye, enjoying a hike with a view of the northern Cairngorm mountains, snowboarding at Glencoe, Scotland's longest established ski resort, or shopping at Christmas markets and seasonal craft fairs?

Yes, it's chilly, but Scotland offers the perfect opportunity to explore wild and wonderful landscapes, spend evenings cosying up by the fire with a dram of whisky in hand, and relaxing with a treatment or two at Scotland's spa hotels.

Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa, Stirlingshire

Set in 44 acres of countryside, Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa is a Scottish manor house that feels completely remote, but is conveniently close to Edinburgh and Glasgow. An elegant escape, it has a popular restaurant and a leisure club in the grounds complete with a range of facilities and its own Tea House café area.

"Staff members were all friendly, approachable and informative. Amy and Sophie, who provided our treatments both made our trip relaxing and we felt our needs were met. Thank you ladies!" - Amy

Murrayshall Country Estate, Perth

Set in 365 acres of Perthshire countryside, Murrayshall Country Estate is a four-star retreat surrounded by towering trees that create a real sense of magic at any time of the year. The former home of Lord Lynedoch, the stately house is a Scottish landmark turned sophisticated hotel. It's a romantic escape complete with four-poster beds and tartan carpets in some of the rooms, and award-winning dining. The cherry on top are the spa treatment rooms, perfect for rest and relaxation following time exploring the grounds.

"I would rate the massage as 'one of the best massages'. Really hit the spot without being painful. Afternoon tea was delicious in such a beautiful setting." - Joyce

Lodge on Loch Lomond, Argyll

In a spectacularly beautiful location, the Lodge on Loch Lomond is a charming hotel overlooking the water. Its new thermal suite is a jewel in its crown, offering space to relax, unwind and enjoy luxury spa treatments. Just 30-minutes from Glasgow, here you are surrounded by dramatic natural landscapes, whether you want to wander along the beach, hike or explore the village close by. It's a charming destination for friends, couples or to give you a little time to yourself.

"Absolutely loved every minute of our trip and will be going back again soon." - Mark

One Spa at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage city centre of Edinburgh, Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa is a luxurious hotel that’s perfect for romantic breaks, special occasions or simply just because. An urban resort, it offers everything you could want from a city spa break, complete with modern luxury surroundings and a full hydrotherapy suite and a rooftop hydro pool, where you can enjoy an indoor-outdoor warm water whole body experience.

"Outstanding experience!! Loved every minute of it! Will definitely be coming back! Everything was incredible." - Sean

Marine North Berwick, North Berwick

With glorious architecture and a beautiful coastal setting, Marine North Berwick is the ideal escape from everyday life. Enjoy walks that take in the fresh seaside air, indulge in some fresh local fare in the hotel dining rooms and treat yourself to some pamper time in the sanctuary of the spa. Here, you can enjoy pure relaxation in the glass-encapsulated swimming pool before moving on to a restorative spa therapy where massages, facials and beauty treatments are all for your choosing.

"Fantastic facilities in the spa. Friendly staff who went above and beyond to ensure we had a relaxing time." - Emily

Gleneagles, Perthshire

This magical retreat may be famous for its golf, but its extensive spa and health club make it as much a wellness destination too. With three pools, a thermal suite and gym on offer, there’s plenty in the way of fitness facilities at Gleneagles, but the spa, together with the hair and beauty lodge provide the full package to make you look and feel gorgeous. Start your spa journey in the luxury wet facilities, indulge in some sumptuous spa therapy then finish in the beauty rooms before completing the day with an elegant dinner.

"What a fantastic spa break! Wonderful staff and facilities would highly recommend a trip here. Could not fault the service we received, nothing was too much trouble. Will definitely be returning." - Angela

AWAY Spa at W Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Situated in the impressive St James Quarter, W Edinburgh is a five-star hotel with cosmopolitan style, perfect for romantic getaways, self indulgence and partying the night away with friends. Bringing their own brand of luxury to Scotland’s historic and culturally rich capital, wake to views of the skyline, enjoy decadent pampering and step straight out into a world of entertainment.

"I started with the use of my own sauna, jacuzzi and shower-an added extra I had not experienced before. The jacuzzi had the most powerful jets and the shower's extra settings were a treat. I followed this up with an hour's massage, my what a wonderful therapist, who managed to iron out a lot of my knots! The mud pack to my feet and the heated eye/neck pillows added to the overall luxury of this massage. One of the best I've had!" - Gill

Crerar Thainstone House, Aberdeenshire

In acres of private gardens and meadows in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, Crerar Thainstone House is a historic property with a dramatic history including Jacobean politics and the American Declaration of Independence. Its restaurant serves fresh, local produce, including steaks from the estate’s own herd. They also have a beautiful spa set within the historic architecture, with a gym, pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, and Elemis treatments.

"Third time in less than a year I’ve been here for a spa break and it’s my favourite. Always so calm and peaceful no matter where you go in the hotel. The food was amazing and so was the spa and the treatments. All the staff are so nice and welcoming and always there to help. Can’t wait to come back!" - Danielle

Fairmont St Andrews, St Andrews

If you can draw yourself away from the sea view that dominates this perfectly appointed hotel and golf course, there are myriad opportunities for leisure and pleasure at Fairmont St Andrews. With 10 treatment rooms, the spa is for enjoying decadent treatments designed to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. The luxury by the sea spa experience for instance, is a real treat for the senses. Besides this, there’s a gym, fitness classes, pool and sauna to be enjoyed too.

"It was amazing, so much better than I expected, great value for money. And the best thing was it wasn't even busy so lots of space to yourself. Everything is provided right down to shampoo and conditioner which is the first time I have seen that. Very Impressed!" - Cassia

Old Course Hotel Resort & Spa, Fife

A five-star hotel, with the Scottish coastline just a stone’s throw away, Old Course Hotel Resort & Spa is a luxury resort overlooking the famous Old Course and West Sands Beach in St Andrews. It has seven food and drink experiences from its own pub to a bar with more than 300 Scottish whiskies to choose from. The Kohler Waters Spa offers leisure and wellbeing, and is the only Kohler Waters Spa outside the US. It has a 20-metre pool with a waterfall at one end, a hydrotherapy pool, a steam room, and 13 treatment rooms.

"From the moment we entered the Spa we felt welcomed with the friendliest and helpful staff. The ambiance was amazing. The treatments left us feeling relaxed yet refreshed. We will definitely go back." - Ann